Wednesday, August 19, 2009

We know that Steven Spielberg wants to do an Abraham Lincoln bio-pic, but now Robert Redford has his own Lincoln story to tell. Variety reports that Redford is moving forward on production of "The Conspirator" later this year as his next directing effort. The film will follow the story of Mary Surratt, a women who was convicted and hanged for offering aide to John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Read more details below...

It is believed that Mary Surratt gave both John Wilks Booth and his accomplice David Herold weapons after the assassination had already occurred. Risky Biz Blog gives a brief description of the backdrop to Redford's "The Conspirator". The period immediately after the Lincoln assassination was considered extremely volatile, with the country on the cusp of again falling into civil war; that period will provide a backdrop to the Redford-helmed tale. Greg Shapiro, Brian Peter Falk, and the Stone brothers Rob and Web will serve as producers for the historical drama.

No official castings can be reported at this time, but producers have said James McAvoy is their top choice for the lead. McAvoy however might not be available for "The Conspirator" shooting schedule now that he has signed on to co-star with Seth Rogen in "I'm With Cancer". More news on Robert Redford's latest as it develops...

What say you? Are you interested seeing a film surrounding Mary Surratt? Strikeback...